By HOI ABC NORMAL – Fall classes started this week at Illinois State University, and leaders there said they are pleased so far with vaccination rates that far exceed those for all of McLean County and the rest of the state. The university said 61% of all students and 80% of all employees were fully vaccinated…… MORE
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – In accordance with the new CDC guidance this week, Illinois State University will require face coverings in all public indoor spaces, even for people who are fully vaccinated. ISU issued the directive Wednesday as McLean County is currently designated as having “substantial” transmission by the CDC. Illinois State continues to keep health and safety…… MORE
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Illinois State University is seeking permission from its governing board to sell almost 26 acres of land northeast of campus that used to be bustling with activity, but is vacant now. Shelbourne Apartments is at the corner of Shelbourne Drive and Beech Street in Normal, formerly the site of 100 townhouse…… MORE
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – A career that spanned five decades is coming to a close. Illinois State University President Dr. Larry Dietz retire Wednesday as the university’s 19th president. “This has been a great experience working for the university and I’m going to miss the people. But I’ve been at this for 50…… MORE
Illinois State University issued a statement late Wednesday on the graduate workers’ strike authorization vote, indicating it believes the two sides can make progress on a contract.… MORE
Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees is considering an increase in costs for students.… MORE
The union representing graduate workers at Illinois State University brought a silent protest to the steps of the administration office on Thursday.… MORE
The union representing more than 400 graduate teaching assistants at Illinois State University plan on staging a “silent protest” Thursday, ahead of a planned strike authorization vote early next month.… MORE
A day after Illinois State picked up its first win of the season, the team announces it’s opting out of the rest of the spring season.… MORE
The union representing more than 400 graduate teaching assistants at Illinois State University said it’s entering a “strike readiness” phase because the university and union are far from reaching agreement on a first contract.… MORE
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…